BMW X5

High-tech thieves are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to stealing luxury cars equipped with keyless entry and ignition systems. While many computer-based security systems on cars require a key to start the engine, a new modern car requires only the presence of a key fob.

A key fob is a physical device with built-in authentication mechanisms. It controls access to network services and information. The key fob  provides two stage authentication process: first, the user enters their Personal Identification Number (PIN), which authenticates them as the key fob’s owner. After the user correctly enters their PIN, the key fob displays a number which allows them to log on to the network so as to operate  their car. Because a key fob is a physical object, it is easy for the owner to know if it has been stolen but his PIN can be stolen and used for a long time before the theft is detected.

Victims of this type of theft include soccer star David Beckham. Two of his BMW X5 SUV were stolen within six months. The thieves used software programs on a laptop to wirelessly break into the car's inbuilt computer, open the doors, and start the engine.

Thieves armed with a particular model's security details can jack into the car's computer and run software that dumps out the necessary codes for breaking the encryption, allowing them to unlock the doors, start the engine, and in some cases, even disable built-in tracking devices.

Once the car owner is out of his car, the car's software can halt progress for up to 20 minutes as part of its in-built protection. Because the decryption process (the process of decoding secret data into plain form) may take a while, the thieves usually wait to find the car in a secluded area where it will be left for a long period.

Car experts acknowledge that it is difficult to steal cars with complex security, but not impossible. Any car that relies on software to provide security can be circumvented by other software. Experts add that while automakers and locksmiths are supposed to be the only groups that know where and how security information is stored in a car, the information eventually falls into the wrong hands.

Many modern cars now rely on software entirely for security. They have become true keyless systems meaning that no longer are microchips supplemented by mechanical locks as an additional security measure. This means that software is the only boundary between a thief and your car!